One of the most generous gifts to be given is the donation of blood. Every year 5 million Americans need a life saving blood transfusion. Along with the Red Cross, donors help to make blood readily available when needed for blood centers, hospitals and defense forces.

The American Red Cross urgently needs blood donors as they have less than a day's supply of "O Negative" blood on hand and the Labor holiday weekend is approaching. As Captain Debbie Vertar of California Highway Patrol pointed out, there is a large increase of accidents on Labor Day weekend, due to more cars on the roadway and a higher incidence of drunk driving.

In the Bay area a critical blood shortage has existed since July 1. With one out of every 10 people entering a hospital needing blood, the average transfusion being 3.4 pints and the Labor Day weekend looming ahead, donations are urgently needed. The American Red Cross Blood Services in Northern California supplies blood to more than 34 hospitals and has to collect 450 blood component donations a day to meet the requirement.

Every donation saves a life. In fact, just one pint of blood can save three lives. To donate blood, certain rules exist. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in general good health. The American Red Cross has a list of eligibility for those interested. For more details go online at www.beadonor.com or call 1-800-448-3543.